At a glance

Your chance to

Take a camel trek in the Sahara

Get involved with Tijhza Valley project

Marvel at Marrakech's snake charmers

At a glance

4 nights hotel; 2 nights camping In the desert we sleep in traditional Bedouin-style tents which are made of coarse wool and normally sleep 4 to 8 people 1 night in mountain gite, which is simple accommodation (with electric power and showers), dormitor

Flights via Casablanca with Royal Air Maroc

Transport private minibus and camel

Explore the souks of Marrakech, walk in the Atlas Mountains and ride a camel through the desert.

Journey through the beautiful palm groves of the Draa Valley before arriving at the amazing Sahara Desert for our first highlight - a camel safari ride, some wonderful nomad hospitality and camping out under the desert stars. We then visit the magnificent Kasbah Ait Benhaddou - the perfect backdrop to many Hollywood films including Gladiator. After spending the night at our comfortable eco-lodge with the friendly Berbers, we assist with a variety of community activities at the remote village of Tijhza, nestled high in the Atlas Mountains. Our final treat is the colourful souks, palaces and mosques of Marrakech, which comes alive at night with snake charmers, travelling musicians, acrobats and storytellers.

Itinerary

2Day 2Drive to Tazzarine. Visit the local palmerie. Overnight in permanent tented camp.

Our adventure begins in Ouarzazate, nicknamed as the 'door to the desert' because it used to be a crossing point for African traders on their way to Europe. It is home to the Atlas Film Studios, the setting for many Hollywood films including Gladiator, and the impressive Kasbah Taourirt. Originally home to the former caid (mayor), this kasbah was later owned by T'hami El Glaoui who is better known as the Lord of the Atlas by English-speaking countries. The Krupps field gun that secured the Glaoui power is now displayed outside the kasbah. We then head south along the Draa Valley, a huge palmery containing over four million palm trees, edged by many ksours (fortified villages) to our permanent Bedouin camp for the evening near Tazzarine.See more images and videos

3Day 3Morning camel trek; continue by vehicle to N'Kob; afternoon free to laze by the pool. Camp in the grounds of a converted kasbah.

We get up early for an exciting four-hour camel trip through the desert to Tamashelt. Riding a camel is a fun and truly memorable experience although it can be a bit bumpy and sore after a while! After our camel safari, we stop for a short walk around one of the palmeries before heading to N'kob. With its swimming pool, we can enjoy a well-deserved break after our adventure on the ships of the desert. We stay in the communal tents around an auberge and be served traditional Bedouin food.

After sunrise we head back up through the beautiful palm oases of the Draa Valley, until we reach the well-preserved Kasbah Ait Benhaddou. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most spectacular sights of the Atlas and made famous as the location of several Hollywood films, including 'Lawrence of Arabia'. There may only be a handful of families who still live within the walls yet as we wander around the kasbah enjoying impressive views, we also learn its importance as a major point on the trading caravan route from the desert.See more images and videos

5Day 5Transfer to High Atlas Mountains; afternoon helping the inhabitants in the remote village of Tijhza.

We continue our journey and head into the High Atlas Mountains for a completely different and rewarding experience. After a short drive, we can enjoy a 1½ hour picturesque walk on a gentle gradient to our kasbah, where we spend the night (our bags will be transported separately for us). If the villagers are working on various schemes, then we hope to get involved and join in (weather dependent). The best experience is a football match with the local kids and other optional activities that let us gain insight into the unique Berber culture. Our base for the night is simple rural accommodation that overlooks this remote village that surprisingly only got electricity in 2004 and running water to every home over the last 2 years. There may also be the opportunity to support the latest development of Exodus' ongoing work in the village with a visit to the local Hammam (Moroccan steam bath).

6Day 6Morning walk through the villages of the Tijhza Valley. Scenic drive over mountain passes to Marrakech.

In the morning we enjoy an optional 3-4 hour walk through the villages of the Tijhza Valley, passing fields cultivated by the Berber women with the peaks of the High Atlas as a fitting backdrop. We say goodbye to our new friends and head back to our bus for a scenic drive over the High Atlas Mountains to Marrakech. En route, we visit the amazing fortress of Telouet. Once, the mountains were controlled by feudal clans, including the most powerful Glaoui clans and their power stretched across Morocco into Europe and they even toppled a French Premier in the early 20th Century. Now Telouet stands abandoned and crumbling, and we can only take a look at this labyrinthine, fairy-tale structure from the outside. Our route continues over the main pass, Tizi'n'Tichka, which at 2260m is the highest road pass in Morocco and is truly spectacular (approximately 4 hour journey).See more images and videos

7Day 7Morning walking tour of Marrakech; afternoon and evening free.

This morning we go on a guided tour (on foot) of the 'Pink City' of Marrakech when we can soak up the atmosphere of this bustling and vibrant city with its maze of bazaars, palaces and mosques. In the afternoon there is free time to simply potter around the souks, visit the more peaceful Jardin Majorelle, take a hammam (steam bath) or maybe enjoy a 'caleche' ride (horse-drawn carriage). No visit to Marrakech is complete without a visit to the Djemma el Fna, the open-air central square around which Marrakech revolves. The name literally means 'place of death' as it was the place where the Sultans used to display the heads of their enemies. Now, with the foodstalls, snake charmers, water-sellers, travelling musicians and acrobats, the square is a place of entertainment for both Moroccan and overseas visitors.

Your images

Family group

Family group holidays that you and your family can enjoy together. These trips are active, adventurous and provide the perfect blend of exploration and sociability.

Activity level

You are healthy, enjoy the outdoors and want a relaxing trip. No experience is required.

What's included

What's included

All breakfasts, 1 lunch and 3 dinners

All accommodation (see below)

All transport and listed activities

Tour leader throughout

Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)

Arrival & departure transfers

What's not included

Travel insurance

Single accommodation (available on request)

Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation details

Hotels, Gite & Camping

You will spend 4 nights in hotels and 2 nights camping. In the desert you will sleep in a traditional Bedouin – style tents which normally sleep 8 people. There is also one night spent in a simple mountain gite. Morocco is opening up to mainstream tourism, however, accommodation standards are comparable with those found in Sub-Saharan Africa.

You can request a single room on this trip subject to availability. The cost of the single supplement is GBP100 which applies only to hotels (4 nights).

We endeavour to provide twin or triple rooms for all family clients – for trip specific details please download the Trip Notes.

Essential info

Vaccinations and Visa
No visa required by British passport holders.
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Tetanus, Tetanus and Hepatitis A. Holiday style

The advantages of travelling to Morocco are the minimal time difference and that vaccinations are not necessary. This trip provides a wonderful opportunity to see Southern Morocco, combining beautiful deserts with superb mountain scenery. Along with its incredible history, we also explore Morocco's blend of the natural, human and exotic. We spend quality time in the places that matter, the pace is not rushed but a couple of the road journeys are long (3-4 hours). Please note that camels are not always the most comfortable ride but certainly an unforgettable experience!
The tented campsite is quite basic and communal yet there is no other base from which we can enjoy the silence and peacefulness of the desert. In the mountains, our accommodation is in rooms with all bedding provided sharing with 3-4 other members of the group. This is the only Moroccan family holiday to offer a true Berber experience in the remote Tijhza Village in the Atlas Mountains. Project work will be decided upon arrival once the Village Association has decided what they would like to be completed, which could be anything from helping to make carpets to painting villagers' houses.
Please note there is no central heating in the desert or mountains and it can get very cold at night from October to March (you will need to come prepared with adequate clothing and sleeping bags) as well as very hot during the daytime in April and May.

Eating & drinking

All breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners included.

Moroccan food is, generally speaking, excellent though not particularly varied. Breakfasts usually consist of bread and jam with coffee or tea. Meals eaten out are reasonably priced - kebab and bread cost only about GBP4 (USD6.50). In main towns it is possible to find very good French and Moroccan restaurants where a meal and French wine will cost anything from GBP20 (approx. . USD30) upwards. Generally dinner is likely to cost between GBP5-10 (USD8-15) depending on what you drink. GBP15 (USD25) a day for food is reasonable. Local beers, wines and soft drinks are available at very reasonable prices, but you can pay UK prices or more for imported alcohol. Your leader can help recommend restaurants each evening.
Vegetarians can be catered for but there is a fairly limited choice of cous cous and tajine or omelettes. This is particularly the case during the more rural or trekking sections of the trip.
Please note that if you have any special dietary requirements you should inform the Exodus Office prior to the trip. If you have a specific medical/dietary need (i.e. coeliac or vegan) you may find it helpful to bring some items of food with you from home.

Trip notes

Download the detailed trip notes for everything you could possibly want
to know about this trip, including detailed itinerary and full kit list.

Weather & seasonality

Please note this chart denotes the average temperatures in Marrakech. From April to June, and in September, Marrakech and the north are pleasantly hot, with temperatures averaging 26degC in the day and falling to 16degC at night. It is unusual for there to be much humidity so it is quite pleasant except at midday when the sun is very strong. Desert temperatures are similar to those in Marrakech, with the nights usually a little cooler and the days a little hotter. Mountain temperatures are cooler than in Marrakech.

In the winter months, the daytime temperatures in Marrakech are around 18 to 22degC with night temperatures falling to 4 to 7degC. The days should be clear and sunny, and a particularly attractive feature of the winter months is the clear views of the snow-covered Atlas. The temperatures in the south are generally a couple of degrees higher than those prevailing north of the mountains. There is a small chance of rain and it has been even been known to snow very infrequently in January and sometimes February on the higher desert plateaux (in which case it is cold at night and early in the morning on the southern side of the Atlas).

Gallery

Reviews & community

The "Camels and Kasbahs" trip was our first adventure travel holiday as a family and our first trip with Exodus. We loved it and were very impressed by the whole experience.
We travelled to Morocco in late December, a perfect time to visit. As one of four like-minded families, we spent seven days travelling and exploring rural and urban parts of Morocco. The first five days were spent in the villages, towns and picturesque remote parts of the High Atlas mountains. This contrasted greatly with the hubbub of busy city life in Marrakech for the last two days. The trip is extremely well organised to allow you to take in a mixture of places and experiences from camping out in bedouin tents, bumpy camel rides, iconic tourist sites, busy souks and a really humbling taste of simple village life.
Morocco is a beautiful country and the people there are extremely friendly and welcoming.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

It is very difficult to pick out the best or most inspirational moments from the trip because every day was so different, each with unique experiences.
Our girls were particularly moved by the trip to Tijhza, the project village in the High Atlas mountains, which Exodus has supported for over ten years. They enjoyed the contact with the local children, playing a game of football on a dusty, rocky pitch with players in sandals and thin souled shoes. It's amazing how a simple game of football can bring people together. Many buildings in the village had been damaged in recent storms but even a month after the flash floods, people were rebuilding and mending their homes.
Whilst the storms had caused a vast degree of damage in the rural parts of the country that we visited, it had also led to a dramatic change in the landscape. Dry, barren land was covered in green shoots. Locals were out collecting herbs, families were picnicking in the luscious plantations and Behouin groups, normally settled higher up in the mountains had ventured lower down into the valleys to feed themselves and their livestock on the abnormal abundance of greenery.
The trip name refers to camels and this was a highlight for many of the children. Our girls enjoyed sitting on their own camel (which of course they had named), wrapped in Moroccan scarves, before playing in the sand dunes. They also enjoyed plodding up the hill on mules to Tijhza.

What did you think of your group leader?

Our tour guide was called Abdellah. He has worked for Exodus for over ten years and is very proud of both his job and his country. Abdellah greeted us on day one with a huge smile and continued to smile throughout the trip. His happy nature was infectious. Abdellah's kind, considerate character made him a perfect guide for the family trip. He always provided helpful advice and had a soft spot for the children.
He was a very knowledgeable guide, providing snippets of information at key moments throughout the trip. If asked questions or for more information, Abdellah was more than happy to oblige. As we walked through plantations he informed us of the names of plants, walking through kasbahs he spoke confidently of the history linked to them and as we drove through the winding roads past villages he described the cultures and traditions of the country. On the day that we went to visit the iconic Ait Ben Haddou, we arrived a couple of hours before sunset. As other cars were leaving the site, we arrived and walked up the narrow deserted lanes to the top to appreciate the view and see the sun disappear behind the far off mountains. Avoiding the crowds of the day, made it a much more memorable experience.
I don't think you could get a better insight into a country without a guide. Whilst you can read information about the place that you are travelling to, a guide from the country has a true understanding and is able to speak the languages and communicate with locals.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

If you travel to Morocco in late winter be prepared for a mixture of temperatures; the sun is pleasantly warming during the day but at night it can get quite chilly, particularly up in the High Atlas mountains and when camping out in the bedouin tents. So be prepared with your layers.
You don't need to bring American dollars. Bring a small amount of Moroccan Dirham as well as some English pounds. There are plenty of cash machines in the towns and cities to top up from. At the start of the trip the leader creates a kitty, which everyone contributes to. It is a great idea since any tips to local guides come from the kitty rather than each family having to sort out tips.
The trip notes might suggest bringing swimming costumes. Although there may be swimming pools at some of the gites they are very cold at this time of year. Pack them if you think you're brave enough!

My son and I had a fabulous trip to Morocco during October half term 2013; it was my son's first real adventure holiday and we plan to take lots more!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The camel trek was certainly a highlight for us - and hunting for fossils in the desert. My son says that his mule ride up into the mountains was much more comfortable though!

The colours of Morocco were amazing, the clear blue skies and beautiful mountains - we have many fantastic photographs to remind us of our trip. The people were warm and welcoming and my son really enjoyed his taste of a culture far removed from his own

What did you think of your group leader?

Mohamed Maachou was a great leader and really helped us make the most of our Moroccan experience. He is a family man and made sure that the children were safe and happy and didn't miss a thing. My son was thrilled at his knowledge of the bird life and his expertise with the camera. His patience is admirable!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Be prepared for some longish drives - this may be a bit difficult for younger children.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

We look forward to booking our next holiday with Exodus - the customer service was outstanding from start to end.

We had a great adventure but had the comfort of feeling safe the whole time.

A fantastic holiday for adults and children alike, with a great mixture of desert, mountains and city. All the hotel accommodation was excellent, the camping was an adventure in itself, the restaurants our guide took us to were great (and well priced) and the other trip members were all like minded individuals which made the trip easy going. The guide was very knowledgeable, well organised and most importantly very friendly and always available to help.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Our family especially loved the camel ride (and climbing the sand dunes) and the walks in the mountains. Viewing the stars from the roof of the mountain gite was a moment to treasure forever!

What did you think of your group leader?

Yahyah was fantastic - very friendly, great with the children and had lots of good tips. He definitely made the trip special!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The pools are freezing at this time of year - even with wetsuits for the children. Brace yourselves! We took a mixture of Euros, Dollars and Sterling, but to be honest just having Sterling would have been fine (and cheaper because of Foreign Exchange fees). Dont forget you are going to rural parts of a Muslim country so take conservative clothing - long sleeves and long legs.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Questions about your trip

Pick your question

Do I really have to ride a camel?!

Riding a camel is a fun and truly memorable experience and, although it can be a bit bumpy at times, it is a true taste of this part of the world and shouldn't be missed. Saying that, if you really would rather not do it, you can always walk alongside the group, but this will be hot and tiring - much easier just to jump on board!

Danuta Janik - Morocco Operations

Is Marrakech easy to get around?

You will find taxis everywhere but the only way to travel around the city and soak up the atmosphere is to jump in a Calesh! If there’s one thing, you do make sure you enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride around the old walled city or medina. Your hotel can arrange for a caleche to collect you pick one up from the ‘taxi rank’ at the entrance to the Djemma el Fna or main square.

Ben Roseveare - Marketing Director

Anything I shouldn't miss in Marrakech?

Marrakech is truly a taste of Morocco at it's best. Grab a seat in the huge main square, the Djemma el Fna, and watch the world go by while sipping some mint tea. It's been a place of entertainment for locals for hundreds of years and is packed with everything from food stalls to snake charmers! The Majorelle and Menara gardens are also well worth a visit, and offer some peace in the middle of this hectic city.

At night, anyone looking for somewhere to chill out in the heart of the medina should try the Café Arabe, which has some of the best modern Moroccan food around, as well as great views from their rooftop terrace!

Kim Christie - Customer Operations

What is Moroccan food like?

Moroccan cuisine is very diverse, with many influeneces due to the interaction of Morocco with the outside world for centuries. The cuisine of Morocco is a mix of Berber, Moorish, Mediterranean and Arab influences. The main Moroccan dish most people are familiar with is couscous, usually eaten with beef or lamb. Chicken is also very common and the importance of seafood is increasing, especially on the coast. Vegetarians won't have any problems either, although choice can be more limited in remote locations.

The common and tasty tajine is everywhere, a mouth watering stew with meat and vegetables. Green tea with mint is the drink of choice, and you can pick up bocadillos (sandwiches) from street stalls everywhere - you won't go hungry!

Olly Leicester - Sales

What is the best way to take money to Morocco?

The Moroccan currency is the Dirham and cannot be imported or exported, as it is a 'closed' currency. We suggest you take your personal spending money in good condition notes, either in £, Euros or US$. Local costs - it depends! - £2-4 per day to cover postcards, small souvenirs, soft drinks etc; £15 a day for food is fine (if it's not included).

Danuta Janik - Morocco Operations

What kind of clothing is best in a Muslim country?

You are visiting a predominantly Muslim country, therefore you should dress modestly at all times when visiting cultural sites, and there may also be times when you are asked to 'cover up'. During your trip the tour leader will always advise you on appropriate dress for each day's activities.

If you are asked to 'cover up', you'll need to cover your shoulders, arms and legs. We recommend packing lightweight trousers or a long skirt, and a long sleeved shirt. Women may also be required to cover their hair with a scarf if entering a mosque or religious quarters.

Jim Eite - Product Manager

Will Ramadan affect my trip?

Please note that the holy month of Ramadan will take place during specific dates each year, the actual dates will be listed in the respective Trip Notes. This is a time when followers of Islam do not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. This can sometimes affect the opening hours of certain tourist sites. However we will ensure that that the itinerary is affected as little as possible if you travel during this period. Food and drink is available to tourists during the day.

Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations

Exodus staff - expertise on hand to help

All the staff at Exodus share a passion for adventure travel, and are always happy to answer any questions you may have. You can find an expert for the area you are interested in here and can contact them to get further information. If you don't see your specific country listed, please email customerops@exodus.co.uk and they will get the answers you need!

How do I join the Departure Lounge (forum) in the Exodus Community?

To view the Forums, including the Departure Lounge, you do not need to be member of the Exodus Community, simply click on the Community link at the top of every page and read the posts in their respective sections by entering the Departure Lounge, or one of the other options in the list on the page.

To join in a discussion, if already a member, please sign in to your Exodus website account (not related to booking reservations) to contribute to the Forum. If you are not a member of the Exodus Community, you can register by clicking the 'Sign in' at the top of every webpage and select ‘Register’ within the drop down panel.

When viewing the Forum area of the website, as you scroll through the 'Rooms' which are set out by 'travel months' during the current year within the Departure Lounge. You can then select the 'month' of intended travel, then filter the list of trips that have already been created by fellow travellers to see if your trip is listed. If the trip you are travelling on is not in the list, you can start the process by clicking on the 'Post new forum topic' link above the list on the same page. If you do see your trip within the list, select it to view the 'discussion' by your fellow travellers and you can join in by completing the 'Post your comment' section below the discussion thread.

Please note: there might be slight a delay before your post/comment appears as intended because we moderate what is published on the website.

We hope you enjoy using the Departure Lounge to meet your fellow travellers and continue to contribute right up to the start of your journey with Exodus.

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